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“Guilty as Sin?” by Taylor Swift uses a chord progression in the verse that reflects a more nuanced and reflective approach, suitable for a song with a contemplative or emotive theme. The interplay between minor and major seventh chords creates a lush, complex sound that elevates the song’s introspective and somewhat moody lyrical content.

Taylor Swift’s “Black Dog” features a verse chord progression that is both simple and evocative, utilizing variations of the tonic chord to create a sense of movement and build tension before resolving into more straightforward chord changes. This kind of progression is characteristic of songs that aim to evoke a contemplative or narrative-driven mood, which is a frequent theme in Swift’s songwriting.

“3 Libras Acoustic Live” by A Perfect Circle revolves around a rock ballad style with an alternative rock genre. It features distinctive chord progressions and some borrowing from outside of the primary key. The harmonic progression in the chorus is relatively simple but contributes to the melancholic and introspective atmosphere of the song.

“Knights of Cydonia” by Muse features a harmonically straightforward chord progression within the rock style. This progression is primarily based in the key of E minor and centers around the Em, Bm, and A chords. Throughout the song, the driving rhythm, vocal melodies, and transitions between different sections contribute to its energetic and dramatic qualities.

The song “Every Day is Exactly the Same” by Nine Inch Nails is in E minor key. The chord progression found in the chorus consists mainly of common chords found in the E minor key, along with a couple of borrowed chords from E major. The use of borrowed chords adds unique color and tension to the music.

Taylor Swift – Guilty as Sin? – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, A, Dmaj7, Gmaj7, A, Bm7

Chord Progression Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Guilty as Sin?” operates primarily in the key of D major and uses the following chords:
“`
D Major 7 (Imaj7),
A Major (V),
G Major 7 (IVmaj7),
B Minor 7 (vim7),
“`

This sequence maintains diatonic integrity, with all chords derived from the native scale of D major, showcasing no borrowed chords.

Similar Chord Progressions

Progressions that mix major, major seventh, and minor chords are common in songs that aim to evoke a rich emotional palette. Here are examples from other artists:

Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely”
Progression:
“`
A Major (V),
D Major 7 (Imaj7),
E Minor 7 (iim7)
“`

Corinne Bailey Rae – “Put Your Records On”
Progression:
“`
A Major (IV),
E Major (I),
F#m7 (vim7)
“`

John Mayer – “Gravity”
Progression:
“`
G Major (IV),
C Major 7 (I),
A Minor 7 (vi)
“`

These examples illustrate how similar chord structures are used to underpin lyrical narratives in diverse genres, highlighting their versatility and emotional impact. Taylor Swift’s usage in “Guilty as Sin?” employs this tradition within her unique stylistic narrative, presenting a mature and emotionally engaging sound.

Musical Analysis

The musical setting in the chorus uses the lush sound of major seventh chords (Dmaj7 and Gmaj7) to create a smooth, flowing harmonic texture. The major seventh chords offer a depth of sound that complements the more straightforward major chords (A Major). The interplay between these chords enhances the chorus’s melodic richness, allowing for a vivid emotional expression that mirrors the thematic content of sin and guilt.

The inclusion of the B Minor 7 at the end adds a slightly somber tone to the cycle, giving the progression a reflective quality and subtly shifting the mood before looping back to the beginning of the progression or moving to another section.

Overall Analysis

The chorus of Taylor Swift’s “Guilty as Sin?” showcases a rich and dynamic chord progression that reflects the song’s emotional intensity and narrative depth. This progression, with its interplay of major, major seventh, and minor chords, provides a musical canvas that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics, indicative of Swift’s sophisticated songwriting approach.

Style Analysis

In “Guilty as Sin?”, Taylor Swift explores a style that blends elements of pop with the sophisticated harmonic textures often found in jazz and soul music. This blend is particularly effective for conveying complex emotions and enhancing the narrative storytelling in her lyrics. The choice of major seventh chords imbues the chorus with a polished, refined sound that aligns with contemporary pop while offering an emotional depth that is characteristically Swiftian.

Chords in the Chorus section of Guilty as Sin? by Taylor Swift are:

Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, Dmaj7, A, Gmaj7, A, Dmaj7, Gmaj7, A, Bm7